Ringtons brews its way to national public sector contract

Tea and coffee specialists Ringtons has been awarded a place on a sought-after national framework for public sector buying organisation ESPO following a comprehensive tender process.

As one of a select number companies to be appointed to the speciality fine food and drink framework (74), Ringtons’ tea, coffee, edibles, hot beverage equipment, and associated sundries will be available to ESPO members across the public sector for an initial two year period.

ESPO was established in 1981 to assist public sector bodies achieve cost savings for goods by carrying out a tender process on behalf of organisations and in-turn appointing proven companies to its framework agreements. Users benefit from knowing framework approved companies have undertaken a substantial procurement procedure which ensures they comply with ESPO’s pre-agreed terms and conditions, its required experience and service levels, and select companies offer an appropriate range of goods and services.

Compliant with UK and EU procurement legislation, the place on the framework will see Ringtons products and equipment made more readily available to all public sector organisations including schools, local authorities, police forces, charities and NHS bodies that fall under the remit of the six member authorities of ESPO.

Established in 1907 Ringtons operates a traditional doorstep delivery service, out of home hot beverages division, and comprehensive online store. Using over 100 years of experience, Ringtons’ coffee, tea and infusions are blended in its own UK factory in the north east of England ensuring high quality and freshness.

John Broad, National Manager for Ringtons said: “In an increasingly competitive marketplace ESPO provides a fail-safe solution to local authorities who can rely on the organisation to have carried out all of the hard work needed to find suitable suppliers who can offer quality services at competitive prices. We already work with a number of local authority organisations, but being appointed by ESPO will grow our exposure and winning a place on this competitive framework is a significant achievement for Ringtons. We look forward to building our relationship with ESPO members and in-turn our coffee, tea, edibles and more being enjoyed by the wider audience this introduces us to.”

ESPO is jointly owned by its six member authorities: Leicestershire County Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Norfolk County Council, Warwickshire County Council, and Peterborough City Council.

Ringtons Beverages sells through its UK-wide sales team, an expert team of customer care advisors on Freephone 0800 0461 444 or online at www.ringtonsbeverages.co.uk